Web Design and Beyond!

5 Easy Ways to Secure Your Childs Smartphone

I wanted to take a look at this subject as I have personally had problems with my own kids and their cell phones. It is a fast growing problem for parents – most of whom have no idea how to help themselves. Being a parent isn’t getting any easier!

The Internet is a vast place. It’s full of extremely useful information, but it is also full of people that might not have your child’s wellbeing in mind. That being said, it’s important to put measures in place to ensure your child and any of their personal information is secure. Children and teens cannot always visualize the consequences of their seemingly trivial actions. It is the parent’s job to teach tech stranger danger and secure their child’s phone.

1. Keep the Phone Updated

When the phone asks to be updated, be sure to do it. Updates are important to keeping the security of your Smartphone’s operating system as current as possible. Updates can also do things like make the phone run more smoothly, increase battery life, and fix bugs. Keeping the phone updated will also make it so you can get the latest app versions for anything from security software to games.

2. Monitor with Apps

You can download apps to monitor usage of the phone. These apps can be discreetly installed and are password protected. There are many apps like these available, but you will need to research what is compatible with your phone. Cost will also be a factor when researching what monitoring app is right for you.

Two major spy phone apps that I have looked at are mSpy and FlexiSpy – check this FlexiSpy review from the Reflex Guides website. These apps will track text messages, apps downloaded, where the phone is, and who your child is talking to. A bit extreme for some people’s taste I would imagine – but a great tool for others.

3. Password Protect

Password protecting your phone will keep your child’s information safe. Of course, this will need to be a password your child can remember so that they can use the phone. As always, passwords are the first line of defense in keeping your device safe. It’s a simple and free way to protect your child’s phone.

4. Install Antivirus

Children visit all kinds of sites. Even innocuous gaming sites can install malware on your device. There are plenty of antivirus apps available. Some are free and others are a bit more pricey, but anything is better than nothing when it comes to phone protection. Websites like Engadget and Wired are great places to find smartphone antivirus reviews.

5. Keep an Eye on Phone Bills

Phone bills are an easy way to track who is calling whom and how much money is being spent. This is a good way to double-check what you should already know, and you can even request digital copies so that you can stay paper-free but still get a detailed run-down of the month’s phone usage.

The safety of loved ones in this digital world is hard work. It’s crucial to keep a special eye on children, who are more susceptible to online predators. Stop and think for a moment how you can help protect them and educate them to the varied dangers they face now and in the future.